True Heart Read Free

learned that lesson the hard way. “Pay Lottie no mind.”
    A blush of uncertainty stained Virginia’s cheeks. “You haven’t noticed my new dress. Don’t you like it?”
    Cameron had heard that coy tone often. “Aye, but I don’t like you mimicking Agnes’s wily ways.”
    â€œWhat ever do you mean?”
    With three sirens and a scholar for mentors, Virginia had always seemed older than her age. But Cameron knew her better than anyone. In the company of her family, she behaved as a proper daughter and role model for her younger siblings, Lily, Rowena, Cora, and Kenneth. When alone with Cameron, the adventurous Virginia came to life.
    He used a method that had worked successfully in the past. “I’ll bring you back a surprise.”
    â€œI want no more surprises. I have a trunk full of trinkets, pretty cloths, and flowery perfumes. You took me to Glasgow last year.”
    â€œMy parents sailed with us.”
    â€œI want to go to France.”
    â€œNot this time, Virginia.”
    â€œBut everything’s formal now, and I’ve made us a symbol of our own.” From the fancy wrist bag that matched her blue satin dress, she produced a white silk scarf. “See?”
    Fashioned after the ancient clan brooches, the design stitched on the cloth featured a ring of stylistic hearts with an arrow running through.
    â€œThe arrow is from the badge of your mother’s people, Clan Cameron. The hearts are in honor of our friendship and love, which will be timeless.” No flush of embarrassment accompanied the declaration. “It took me ever so long to think it up and a week of nights here in the stables to stitch it. ’Tis a secret. I wanted you to see it before everyone else. I’ve saved all of my money. In France, I’ll have it set in gold or silver.”
    Cameron voiced his first thought. “ ’Tis feminine for a man to wear hearts.”
    Her eyes filled with tears. “That’s a wretched thing to say. I’ve made it just for us and our children.”
    Immediately defensive, Cameron stood his ground but murmured, “Oh, I’m sorry then. I was surprised is all.”
    â€œThen don’t disappoint me again. Take me with you.”
    â€œNay.”
    Now desperate, she looked around the stables, as if a better argument hid there. She found it. “Go without and I’ll let Jimmy Anderson kiss me.”
    Cameron’s temper flared. Virginia MacKenzie was his; no other man would have her. “Do and you’ll be sorry.” He could have kissed her, but she was too young yet; intimacy between them would come later.
    â€œI’ll cancel the betrothal if you leave me here.”
    His pride stinging, Cameron tucked the scarf into his sleeve and headed for the door. “Cancel it if you wish. I only agreed to please my parents.”
    â€œLiar! You said that to hurt me because you’re a coward.”
    She spoke the truth, but if he didn’t make an exit now, she’d probably talk him into taking her and in the doing gain the substantial wrath of her father. “You cannot come with me, and your father is only part of the reason.”
    Virginia gave up the fight. Cam didn’t mean those hurtful words; he just wanted another manly adventure. But she was tired of hearing his tales of visits to exotic ports of call. She wanted to see them for herself with him. He was always flitting off to France or to the Baltic. But this time was different; the precious sapphire ring on her finger stood as proof of that. She would not be left behind.
    In preparation, she’d convinced Sarah to teach her French. Lottie had tutored her on etiquette. Agnes had explained French currency. Mary had given her an appreciation of the artisans of France. She’d make Cameron proud, and she’d help him sail his ship.
    As she watched her best friend leave the stables, Virginia didn’t need to argue the